In the last episode of RVSue and her canine crew . . . .

Reggie and I enjoy our camp at Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, keeping cool as much as possible in the present heat wave, unusual for March in these parts.

This is not a time for us to explore the Mojave Preserve.  Besides the heat, the snakes are out and about.   Perhaps we will come this way another time and explore.

In this post, the Reggie Man and I make an early start, moving our camp across the Preserve and beyond.

~ ~ ~

For those of you who like to follow with map in hand . . .

We go north through Black Canyon on the road of the same name.  The road is dirt and in pretty good condition.

We roll along around 20-25 mph as the road curves through the canyon. 

It’s an enjoyable ride in the coolness of morning with the windows open.  We meet no vehicles and pass no human-made structures.

We don’t take the turn for Mid Hills.

Continuing on Black Canyon Road, the Perfect Tow Vehicle rumbles over cattle guards, although we see no cattle.

We pass a windmill. 

We must be on a ranch . . .

The landscape shows the effects of a fire . . . blackened skeletons of trees, bushes and grass burned.

A ranch house comes into view way off the road. 

My mind wanders to an old-time tale of a young bride brought to see her home for the first time.

The rancher husband nervously attempts to prepare his new bride as they bounce in the wagon over the dusty, two-track road, not much more than a path,  . . . .”You’re going to love it, honey.  Our spread will be the largest around.  We’ve got a good well and I’ll build us a better house . . . . “

I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been, the summer heat and all.  Well, maybe the ranch is relatively new, established when times were easier . . . .

Hmm . . . a “for sale” sign.  I wonder if they’re selling because of the fire.

Black Canyon Road dead-ends at Cedar Canyon Road.

We turn left.  The road narrows and deteriorates into the worst washboard I’ve ever driven on!

I say a prayer for the new refrigerator bouncing in the Best Little Trailer and for the PTV’s undercarriage and suspension system.

We cross a series of deep and dry washes.  It’s hard to imagine the need for signs about avoiding drowning on this dry road through sun-baked country.

Suddenly we’re in a Joshua Tree forest!

The further we go, the denser the forest becomes.  This is one of the largest and densest forests of Joshua Trees in the world!

As we leave the Mid Hills and swoop down into a valley, I see a few cars tucked among the Joshua Trees.

Maybe they’re boondockers . . . .

I take one more photo of this marvelous forest.

We reach the Kelso-Cimo Road.

Pavement!

A right turn takes us toward Cima, an intersection of roads and railroad tracks, “originally established as a water stop for trains going up the long Kelso Valley grade.” — digital-desert.com

“Oh, yay, a cell tower!”

Reggie perks up at my happy outburst.  I pull over to the side of the road, check this blog, and reply to a few emails.  I get out and open up the Best Little Trailer.  Being a woman, having a toilet on wheels is especially appreciated!

“Okay, Reg.  You can have a potty break, too.”

From Cima we take Morningstar Road and cross an immense plain of desert scrub.

A left onto Ivanpah Road and soon we’re at Nipton Road, where . . .

A Decision Must Be Made.

Shall we turn left and take Interstate 15 north?

Or shall we turn right and cross the New York Mountains to Searchlight?

To Be Continued . . .

rvsue

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